“Patchwork doesn’t just leave young people with political knowledge, it also leaves them with a lot of personal power. This power is founded in the knowledge that they can do things that they didn’t even know were possible yesterday, things that Patchwork makes a reality…As a gay person; as an intersectional feminist; as someone who’s struggled with disability and poverty throughout life, I’m almost the embodiment of all the underrepresented communities [Patchwork tries] to reach out to and I can honestly say that I have never found a place more welcoming and inclusive than the Patchwork family. If they can do this for me, then I know that together we can make all youth feel like this…Patchworkers grow from the support that Patchwork Foundation provides. Patchwork breaks down misconceptions on the constituent’s door step, it strives to bring young people into a world without glass ceilings or locked doors.”

Catrina

Patchwork Graduate (2013)

“The Patchwork Foundation has instilled in me a confidence and drive I never had before. The drive and determination to go and get involved in anything I am passionate about. Before Patchwork I could never have imagined myself talking about policy with Sir Oliver Letwin, learning about leadership from the former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Nick Clegg, chairing a session at 10 Downing Street with the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister… going to Party Conference for the first ever time or now having the opportunity of interning as a Parliamentary Assistant to the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP. These opportunities are normally not available to people like me but Patchwork is changing that…The biggest impact Patchwork has had on my life, is it has bridged the gap between having potential and being able to fulfil it, putting you in the right places at the right time, providing opportunities for you to improve yourself but also improve things for others…Patchwork has shown me the importance of voices from all communities being heard, that we are all represented in business and politics, whoever you may be or wherever you are from.”

Lovell Owiti

Patchwork Graduate (2018)

“Patchwork has opened some unique doors for me. I used to think that decision makers and prominent locations were inaccessible to people like me, and now I encounter them on a surprisingly regular basis. Patchwork has shown me I can live my life to the fullest potential. Being accepted unconditionally, regardless of your background, is part of what makes Patchwork truly special. Our Masterclass tutors leave a mark on Patchworkers long after the session has ended. Our speakers are role models that inspire us, and show that we can achieve just as they have. Many people from underrepresented backgrounds feel as though we do not belong in political spaces. Patchwork tries to teach young people that you have just as much right as anyone else, and that source of discomfort can be transformed into a source of unique strength.”

Testimonials

“Patchwork is a loudhailer for the voices of underrepresented groups right across our islands and their Parliamentary Awards recognise the endeavours of individual MPs across the parties who are making efforts to get people from all walks of life engaged in politics.”

Nicola Sturgeon MSP

SNP Leader and Scotland’s First Minister

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